Diagnosed with hearing loss around age five, he navigated the chaos of an open-concept elementary school classroom where the clamour of dozens of children made listening nearly impossible. “It was overwhelming,” he told Lianne Castelino during an interview for Where Parents Talk. “I could barely make out what my teacher was saying, and later, in university, the massive lecture halls were just as unforgiving. I was constantly struggling, constantly exhausted.”
Yet amid the struggle, he found small signs of hope. “My mother read to us every night,” Stelmacovich recounts. “She was right beside me. I could hear her voice, see the words on the page, and that connection kept me afloat. It was my lifeline.”
That combination of challenge and resilience shaped Stelmacovich’s life—inspiring him to become an audiologist and advocate.
“Hearing aids alone don’t solve everything, like glasses do,” he explains. “You need strategies, tools, and understanding to navigate a noisy world. I wanted to share what I learned so other families wouldn’t have to struggle as I did.”
The Hidden Struggle of Childhood Hearing Loss
Hearing loss in children is more common than many parents may realize. “About 10% of Canadians have a hearing loss, including children,” Stelmacovich says. “Two out of every 1,000 births involve permanent hearing loss, and another two out of 1,000 develop it by age five.”
Even beyond birth, hearing challenges are often caused by middle ear infections, or otitis media. “Roughly 75% of children will experience at least one ear infection before age five,” he notes. “These infections may seem minor, but they can have lasting effects on language, learning, and confidence.”
Why Early Detection Can Change a Life
For children, early detection isn’t just helpful—it’s transformative. Programs like infant hearing screening in Ontario ensure babies are tested before leaving the hospital. “Before these programs, hearing loss often went undetected until age three or three-and-a-half,” Stelmacovich says. “By then, children have already fallen behind in speech and language. Early intervention can make the difference between a child who struggles and a child who thrives.”
He emphasizes that detecting hearing loss is only the first step. “It’s not enough to identify the problem; timely intervention is critical. Without it, a child can fall behind academically, socially, and emotionally.”
Subtle Signs Parents Should Watch For
Sometimes hearing loss hides in plain sight. “A mild hearing loss may not show up one-on-one at home, but in the classroom, it’s clear,” Stelmacovich explains. He shares his own story: “It was my grade one teacher, Mrs. Peters, who first noticed something was wrong. If a teacher expresses concern, trust them—they see your child in ways you can’t.”
Other warning signs include delayed speech, academic struggles, or behavioural challenges. “What looks like defiance or inattentiveness could actually be a child struggling to hear. The only way to know is a professional hearing test,” he stresses.
What Modern Audiology Can Offer
Stelmacovich describes a hearing assessment as a complete picture of the child’s auditory world. “We test the softest sounds a child can hear, assess speech understanding, and measure their ability to hear in background noise. Then we select hearing aids or wireless microphone systems and guide families on proper use. Technology is only effective when combined with knowledge and support.”
Overcoming Stigma
Stigma can make children hide their hearing loss. “Undiagnosed hearing loss can make a child appear aloof or inattentive,” Stelmacovich says.
Teenagers may fear wearing hearing aids will make them ‘uncool.’ “I show them how hearing aids can connect to phones, gaming systems, and music. It’s about turning a perceived weakness into a tool for empowerment.”
Protecting Hearing in a Noisy World
Modern technology brings new risks. “Noise-canceling headphones don’t block everything. Teens may turn the volume up to compensate, unknowingly harming their hearing,” Stelmacovich warns. “Set safety limits and avoid loud environments whenever possible.”
He also emphasizes proactive strategies beyond testing and devices. “Formal music lessons can strengthen auditory skills, cognitive development, and the ability to hear in background noise later in life,” he says. “Combine that with regular check-ins if your child has a history of ear infections or speech delays, and you’re giving them a huge advantage.”
Advances in Technology Offer Hope
“Hearing aids and cochlear implants have advanced tremendously,” Stelmacovich notes. “Remote microphones, noise reduction, and frequency-lowering features allow children to hear speech sounds they might otherwise miss. There’s almost no situation we can’t address today.”
Even mild hearing issues can have outsized impacts. Stelmacovich recounts his son’s experience: “He had silent otitis media in grade one. His teacher noticed behavioural issues. Once treated, his performance improved dramatically. Observation alone isn’t enough—a professional hearing test is essential.”
Key Takeaways for Parents
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Trust early detection programs and teachers’ observations.
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Every hearing loss matters, even mild ones.
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Look for subtle signs: speech delays, academic or behavioral challenges.
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Support auditory development: music lessons enhance listening and cognitive skills.
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Protect hearing: manage volume and noise exposure.
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Leverage technology: modern hearing aids and implants can transform a child’s life.
Stelmacovich’s lived experience is one of resilience, hope, and the power of early intervention. “Every child deserves the chance to hear and develop fully,” he says. “With awareness, vigilance, and support, parents can ensure their children don’t just survive—they thrive.”